At least seven people died, and many others were injured in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, during an event to felicitate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team after their maiden IPL title win.
The event, organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, drew an overwhelming crowd. Even though it was for people with valid tickets and passes, fans thronged the premises to catch a glimpse of their team’s cricketing heroes.
According to preliminary information provided to the government, a temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium premises collapsed under the weight of people standing on it, said sources. The sudden collapse caused panic and a stampede ensued, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the deaths, but did not divulge any further information. “I can’t confirm the numbers yet. I’m going to the stadium, now. Lot of emotional fans… we had deployed 5,000 personnel,” he told India Today TV, about the security arrangement.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, “We finished the event in 10-15 mins because of the stampede and death.”
As the crowd swelled outside the stadium ahead of the public celebrations, police were seen using mild force in an attempt to control the surging fans.
Visuals from the scene showed the injured being rushed for medical support. Ambulances were seen making their way through the heavy crowd, moving the injured to the hospital.
